2026 Orthopaedic Residency Program - Physical Therapist

2026 Orthopaedic Residency Program - Physical Therapist

At Olympic Sports & Spine, patients are our priority. Our commitment is One-on-One care, unrivaled educational opportunities, a culture of learning and a place where employees thrive. We have been dedicated to the community and providing clinical excellence and care since 1984.

Local Roots. Local Ownership. Local Commitment.

Orthopaedic Residency Program Overview & Mission

The Olympic Sports & Spine Orthopaedic Residency Program is an 18-month, clinical residency accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE) through the American Physical Therapy Association. The program is designed to elevate clinical excellence, advance professional competency, and enhance patient-centered care within the specialty of orthopaedic physical therapy.

Grounded in advanced clinical education, evidence-informed practice, and expert clinical reasoning, the residency provides a structured pathway for physical therapists seeking specialization in orthopaedic physical therapy. Residents complete a comprehensive clinical and academic curriculum designed to prepare them for Certified Orthopaedic Manual Therapist (COMT) and Certified Dry Needling Specialist (CDNS) through AspireOMT, as well as eligibility to sit for the Orthopaedic Certified Specialist (OCS) board examination through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

A new cohort begins each year on September 1.

Curriculum Summary

The orthopaedic residency curriculum is deliberately designed to promote progressive professional development through integrated clinical and educational experiences. The clinical curriculum includes advanced clinical practice, a minimum of 150 hours of one-on-one clinical mentorship during direct patient care, and supervised experience serving as a clinical instructor for a DPT intern.

The educational curriculum consists of at least 126 hours of Certified Orthopaedic Manual Therapist (COMT) training through AspireOMT Institute, 81 hours of dry needling education through AspireOMT Institute, and 210 hours of independent study using content developed by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy.

In addition, residents complete a capstone project aligned with their professional interests. Capstone options include clinical practice improvement, quality improvement initiatives, research and evidence-based practice, education and mentorship, community and public health engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, technology and innovation, and leadership and advocacy.

Schedule Expectations

Residents are employed by Olympic Sports & Spine and are expected to work the weekly hours outlined in their employment contract. A minimum of 150 hours of one-to-one clinical mentorship with a residency-eligible mentor is embedded within the resident's patient care schedule across the duration of the program. Educational coursework is completed outside of scheduled clinical hours. Residents should plan to dedicate approximately 10 hours per week to academic learning and related educational activities.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program
• Successful completion of the FSBPT National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
• Eligibility for physical therapy licensure in the state of Washington by the program start date
• Active membership in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy

Application Process & Questions

For additional information regarding the orthopaedic residency or the application process, please contact:

Samantha Gubka View email address on click.appcast.io

New cohorts begin annually on September 1. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year.